THE Cinema Evaluation Board gave a “Grade A” this week to the Joel Lamangan movie, Kamkam (Greed). The board cited the inspired performances of its ensemble, “the intelligent direction, the relevant story/script and top-notch technical [executions]” as the basis for their positive evaluation.

Consequently, the film’s production company, Heaven’s Best Entertainment received positive feedback over the possibility of an international premiere for Kamkam at a prestigious A-list film festival abroad, the details of which are still under wraps for now.

Written by Palanca awardee Jerry Gracio and directed by a multi-awarded master Joel Lamangan, Greed is the story of an amorous, amoral thug Johnny (Allen Dizon) who has three wives (Jean Garcia, Sunshine Dizon and Jackie Rice).

They live in a poverty-trodden community Sitio Camcam. Johnny lords over the barangay in wanton corruption and impunity. All these happen while authorities begin demolishing the community established by so-called “professional squatters and land-grabbers.” Of course, the young children suffer most the consequences of such conflict.

Kamkam is a study on the effects of corruption engendered by a patriarchal system upon the poor people. Absolute power corrupts and destroys relationships within the family and the community,” Gracio shares at the movie’s press conference this week.

Even the love lives of the young are affected by the turmoil in Sitio Camcam, as depicted by the young actors Joyce Ching and Hiro Peralta; and Rita De Guzman and Lucho Ayala.

The old reliable actors in the Lamangan stable give flesh and blood to the other residents of the God-forsaken sitio. They are Emilio Garcia, Jaime Pebanco, Kerbie Zamora, Tony Mabesa, along with talented newbies Athena Bautista and Zeke Sarmenta.

“Kamkam is a very complex story of a family which thrives on the culture of corruption in a poverty-stricken community. One of the movie’s highlights is the confrontation among the three women of Allen’s while the demolition is happening, amidst a rotten system of governance. I can assure you: this movie we’ve just done is a relevant and significant one,” Lamangan declared with conviction.

Sadly, just a little over a month ago, the location used for the shoot—Barangay Aplaya in Kawit, Cavite—was razed down by fire, five days before Kamkam had wrapped up.

Due to the film’s sensitive theme and scenes (though executed artistically), MTRCB gave Kamkam an “R-16 Without Cuts” rating, allowing it to be shown in SM Cinemas.